Learn to provide safe, ethical, and culturally sensitive nursing care for individuals and families at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.
What you will learn
Graduates of this diploma program will have acquired the knowledge and abilities to:
- Apply the Entry Level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses (2020) to provide safe, competent, culturally safe and ethical care.
- Practice within relevant legislation, BCCNM Standards of Practice for LPNs Framework: Scope of Practice Standards; Professional Standards; and Practice Standards (2020) as set out by the Health Professions Act of British Columbia and the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
- Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence.
- Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients.
- Participate in interprofessional problem solving and decision making processes.
- Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting evidence-informed practice.
- Make practice decisions that are client specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources.
- Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agreed upon plan of care.
- Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing and exploring with them in a caring environment.
- Provide culturally safe, person-centered care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety, cultural humility and diversity.
- Provide leadership, direction, assignment, and supervision of unregulated care providers as appropriate.
- Identify one’s own values, biases, and assumptions on interactions with clients and other members of the health care team.
What to expect
This diploma program is offered on a full time basis and is divided into four levels. Each level must be successfully completed before the next one can be started. A major emphasis of this program is active student participation. Throughout the program the instructors will encourage the students to become increasingly more self directed and responsible for their own learning. Students are expected to come to class well prepared for active participation in classroom, nursing lab and clinical activities.
Course guides provide direction of learning in preparation, in course activities and reflection of the content. The instructor acts as facilitator and expert to promote an environment conducive for learning through activities such as guided discussion, debate, audio-visual presentation, group activities, skill building exercises and simulation. Some courses may be offered in a blended delivery mode.
Level one provides the foundation for the development of nursing practice and introduces the learner to the healthy adult.
Level two explores the older adult and concepts related to aging and chronic illness in various settings.
Level three examines a continuum of care in the community health setting and applies concepts from level one, two and three in the management of stable clients across the lifespan.
Level four integrates knowledge from previous levels and examines concepts related to the care of the medical/surgical client.
Each level is supported by a Consolidated Practice Experience (CPE) which reinforces the learning that has taken place within each level.
Eligibility to enter the Consolidated Practice Experience at the end of each level is dependent upon the successful completion of all of the other courses within that level.
Each level must be successfully completed before the next one can be attempted.
A final practice experience or preceptorship prepares the learner for the role and expectations of the graduate.
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Admission requirements
Program-specific
Note: Core minimum standards for admission requirements, including English as an Additional Language standard have been established by the Provincial Practical Nursing Program Curriculum. VCC admission requirements for this program are in addition to those provincial expectations. All of these requirements must be met.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- BC Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 12 with a minimum grade of B or equivalent
- Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent or Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- VCC Health Sciences Math Assessment with 80% or completion of Math for Health Sciences (Math 1054) with 80%
- Biology 12 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- NURS 1602 or BIOL 1602 Human Anatomy and Physiology with a minimum grade of 68% or equivalent within the last 3 years
- Proof of English Language Proficiency:
As English is the language of study in BC, students must meet English language proficiency (ELP) at an appropriate level to be accepted into the provincial Practical Nursing program. These requirements can be satisfied through one of the following:
- Three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the medium of instruction and is in one of the countries that satisfy English proficiency standards. English as a Second Language/Additional Language (ESL/AL) courses are not included in this three-year calculation.
- Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with minimum scores of:
- Speaking 7.0
- Listening 7.5
- Reading 6.5
- Writing 7.0
- Overall Band Score 7.0
- Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:
- Speaking 8.0
- Listening 10.0
- Reading 8.0
- Writing 7.0
Note: CELBAN is only suitable for those who have studied Nursing in a country other than Canada
Note: If your educational documents are not from a Canadian or American institution, contact the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).
UPON ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Current CPR Level C
- CPR Level C includes
- Adult/Child/Baby CPR – one rescuer
- Adult/Child CPR –two rescuer
- Adult/Child/Baby – choking
- CPR Level C includes
Note: CPR certificates other than CPR Level C must be accompanied by documentation indicating the certificate includes the above.
Note: In Health Care your CPR expires one year from the date of issue. Current status is required for all clinical and practicum experiences.
- TB Screening
- Submission of a recent negative TB skin test. If the skin test is positive, proof of a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
- An Immunization Record must be completed.
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended:
- N95 Respiratory Mask
- Regulations stipulate that a properly fitted respiratory mask must be used when providing care to patients with suspected, known, or probable cases of acute respiratory infections. The respiratory mask must be a N95 respirator that is individually fitted by a trained and certified person. This individual mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning your program and is good for one year and must be performed annually. The original certificate must be presented to your program during the first week of classes.
Program-specific
NB: Core minimum standards for admission requirements, including English as an Additional Language standard have been established by the Provincial Practical Nursing Program Curriculum. VCC admission requirements for this program are in addition to those provincial expectations. All of these requirements must be met.
- BC Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 12 with a minimum grade of B or equivalent
- Proof of English Language Proficiency Requirements:
As English is the language of study in BC, students must meet English language proficiency (ELP) at an appropriate level to be accepted into the provincial Practical Nursing program. These requirements can be satisfied through one of the following:
- Three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the medium of instruction and is also one of the country’s official languages. English as a Second Language/Additional Language (ESL/AL) courses are not included in this three-year calculation.
- Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with minimum scores of:
-
Speaking 7.0
-
Listening 7.5
-
Reading 6.5
-
Writing 7.0
-
Overall Band Score 7.0
3. Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:
- Speaking 8.0
- Listening 10.0
- Reading 8.0
- Writing 7.0
* CELBAN is only suitable for those who have studied Nursing in a country other than Canada
-
Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent or Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
-
VCC Health Sciences Math Assessment with 80% or completion of Math for Health Sciences (Math 1054) with 80%
-
Biology 12 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
-
BIOL 1602 Human Anatomy and Physiology with a minimum grade of 68% or equivalent within the last 3 years
Upon Acceptance into the program:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Current CPR Level C – CPR Level C includes the following
- Adult/Child/Baby CPR – one rescuer
- Adult/Child CPR –two rescuer
- Adult/Child/Baby – choking
CPR certificates other than CPR Level C must be accompanied by documentation indicating the certificate includes the above.
- Please note that in Health Care your CPR expires one year from the date of issue. Current status is required for all clinical and practicum experiences.
- Submission of a recent negative TB skin test. If the skin test is positive, proof of a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
- VCC School of Health Sciences Immunization Record must be completed.
Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- COVID-19
Clinical Facilities may decline individual students for their placement if a student is unable to provide proof of immunizations or satisfactory serum titers and TB screening.
- Regulations stipulate that a properly fitted respiratory mask must be used when providing care to patients with suspected, known, or probable cases of acute respiratory infections. The respiratory mask must be a N95 respirator that is individually fitted by a trained and certified person. This individual mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning your program and is good for one year and must be performed annually. The original certificate must be presented to your program during the first week of classes.
Note: If your educational documents are not from a Canadian or American institution, contact the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- A caring attitude.
- A sincere interest in people of all ages who require all levels of care. This includes individuals who are: mentally or physically disabled, experiencing life threatening situations, confused or requiring rehabilitation.
- Good command of English comprehension, verbal and writing skills essential.
- Basic computer skills – email, word processing, internet searching
- Good manual dexterity.
- Any supportive courses in human biology, psychology, sociology, First Aid or previous related work experience or education would be an asset.
- A basic foundation in mathematical calculations of decimals, fractions and metric conversions.
- Flexibility to adjust to early morning and evening practicum shifts, to a variety of clinical settings and locations within the Metro Vancouver area.
For information about being a practical nurse, please review Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada: Requisite Skills and Abilities at https://www.bccnm.ca/Documents/competencies_requisite_skills/LPN_requisite_skills_abilities.pdf
Note: The BCCNM asks each licensure applicant about criminal offences. If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offence (other than a minor traffic violation) you should consider whether your application for licensure would be accepted. Licensing is mandatory in B.C. for Licensed Practical Nurses.
Courses
*Program general hours
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the exception of clinical/practicum experiences. Students will be advised of their clinical/practicum hours once registered and attending the program.
This program must be completed within three years.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 1001 | Professional Communication 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1002 | Professional Practice 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1003 | Health Promotion 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1004 | Variations in Health 1 | 1.5 |
| NURS 1005 | Pharmacology 1 | 1 |
| NURS 1006 | Integrated Nursing Practice 1 | 4.5 |
| NURS 1007 | Consolidated Practice 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term Two | ||
| NURS 2001 | Professional Communication 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2002 | Professional Practice 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2003 | Health Promotion 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2004 | Variations in Health 2 | 1.5 |
| NURS 2005 | Pharmacology 2 | 1 |
| NURS 2006 | Integrated Nursing Practice 2 | 6 |
| NURS 2007 | Consolidated Practice 2 | 4 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| NURS 3001 | Professional Communication 3 | 1 |
| NURS 3002 | Professional Practice 3 | 1 |
| NURS 3003 | Health Promotion 3 | 1 |
| NURS 3004 | Variations in Health 3 | 1.5 |
| NURS 3005 | Integrated Nursing Practice 3 | 4 |
| NURS 3006 | Consolidated Practice Experience 3 | 2 |
| Credits | 10.5 | |
| Term Four | ||
| NURS 4001 | Professional Communication 4 | 1 |
| NURS 4002 | Professional Practice 4 | 1 |
| NURS 4003 | Health Promotion 4 | 1 |
| NURS 4004 | Variations in Health 4 | 2 |
| NURS 4005 | Integrated Nursing Practice 4 | 6 |
| NURS 4006 | Consolidated Practice 4 | 6.5 |
| NURS 4007 | Transition to Preceptorship | 1 |
| NURS 4008 | Preceptorship | 6 |
| Credits | 24.5 | |
| Total Credits | 63.5 | |
This guide is intended as a guideline only. The College reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs
*| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 35 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 16107 |
Tuition Breakdown
3298 - Term 1
3932 - Term 2
2664 - Term 3
6215 - Term 4
|
| Student union | 256 | |
| College initiative | 181 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 645 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical & Dental | 413 | |
| U-PASS | 663 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
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* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
To find out which terms are open for applications, please visit EducationPlanner BC.
If you are required to complete IELTS or CELBAN for proof of English proficiency, you may wish to take one of our IELTS Preparation or CELBAN Test Prep courses.
If you are taking university transfer courses at VCC (e.g. BIOL 1602), you do not need to request to have your VCC transcripts sent to the Admissions office.
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